Unwinterizing, DOH!

[Sundancer]

It was getting cold in Spokane so I winterized the 250 DA last weekend. I'm glad I did because it's gotten cold at night. Probably not enough to do any damage, but I sleep better knowing I don't have to worry about it! Now a gentlemen wants to stop by and take a look at it on Saturday. I don't know if he'll want to go for a test ride or not but I can pop the plugs back in, attach the hoses and go. Then I can drain the same plugs, hoses and pour some RV antifreeze back in so it won't take very long. Anybody else winterize and then unwinterize so soon? I guess the good part is that I won't have to change the lower unit or engine oil and I can refog it. I guess it's worth it if I sell it!! We'll see what happens! I guess I'll get to change that 7 year old fuel filter after all now!!

 

[gengiant]

Sundancer,

Good luck selling your 250! If you do, all the work to un-winterize will be well worth the effort, especially considering how tough it is to sell a boat, let alone at the end of the season.

Personally, I cannot speak to winterizing a boat, as I've never had to do so. Winter temps around these parts can drop into the freezing range, but very seldom is it a hard freeze that lasts for more than a night or 2. Of course, we do watch the extended forecasts and would take the necessary measures, if it is predicted to get unusually cold.

GG

 

[Sea Gull]

Don't do it.

I'm not saying it's a lot of work, but you should not have to do it. If the boat had been hauled out for the winter you certainly wouldn't re-launch for every tire kicker who wants a look.

 

[Sundancer]

I just figured the season was over and no one would be buying a boat right now. But then again, Todd is looking at a 260 so maybe my logic is weak? On this side of the mountains, the season is over. I was going to put the winter cover on and set it aside until March. We had talked about taking it to Seattle since they get all goo goo about a freshwater boat over there. I know another similar boat sold for around $14,000 and from what I could tell ours was in better shape.

Precautions when it gets cold where you live means either putting the boat in the water to prevent freezing or a light bulb in the engine compartment? Man, I wish it was that easy up here!! It does make us appreciate the boating season when it arrives. I think boating year around might take some of the excitement out of it. We live for boating and can't wait to get out each Spring. The next hurdle is getting the water temps into the 60's so we can start swimming. That usually occurs around the first of July.

I'll cross my fingers and hope I don't have to put the winter cover on it this year! I'd love to reclaim that space in the yard and my neighbors won't hate me as much either!

 

[Alex D]

I would certainly unwinterize it ... but only after he made an offer that you accepted with earnest money down and a purchase contingent on a positive outcome of survey, sea trial, financing etc. That should avoid a "tire kicker" from taking a joy ride for nuthin'

 

[Pairadice]

I think boating year around might take some of the excitement out of it. We live for boating and can't wait to get out each Spring. The next hurdle is getting the water temps into the 60's so we can start swimming. That usually occurs around the first of July.

Boating year round doesn't take the excitement out of it. It just takes the urgency out of it. You don't need to take advantage of every clear, calm day for fear it might be your last of the season. You simply go out when you please and if something comes up you go out next week or next month.

The bad part for me is my lack of diversity. If I trailer to new locations I am still in the Pacific Ocean, saltwater, and never more than 40 miles from home. I truley miss my days in Yorktown Va. where I could just set out in any direction for days on end or trailer to a giant freshwater lake somewhere and enjoy the day. That whole thread on the oyster snortin and party next year in Tenn. has got me missing the mainland something terrible.:smt089

As far as unwinterizing goes. Do it! As soon as he signs a contract to buy, with the sea trial contingency and a 500 dollar non-refundable deposit. That which is usually split with your broker. If you are selling on your own you keep it all. It is very standard. If he is serious about the boat he will have no problem with it.

Good luck!
Royce

 

[Sundancer]

Broker? I don't need no stinkin' broker! I just put it on the list created by Craig and somebody bit! I'd love to get the yard space back. Having two boats parked out there is a bit much and we look like the local Sea Ray Dealer!

I do like the thought of signing a contract with some earnest money BEFORE I screw in the plugs and hoses for a test ride! That makes sense. I certainly don't want to be doing it for every tire kicker. I knew there was a reason I posted this! Being winterized for less than 7 days has to be some kind of record!!

After the test ride, I can open the hatch to fog it at the dock to kill the engine and pop the hoses and plugs while it's still warm on the trailer(I'm thinking this will keep my hands warm!). That's all I have to do, so it will only take about 5 minutes of upside down time in the engine compartment! When I get home, I can pour some RV Anti freeze down the hoses.

Thanks for the great ideas I hadn't considered! Let's hope all goes well tomorrow!!